Helmut Störchel (18 January 1913 – 5 February 2004) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Helmut Störchel joined the Bundeswehr in 1956 and retired in 1969 as an Oberstleutnant.